Health & Wellness

Suicide prevention coalition works to remove stigma around mental health

Sep 21, 2023 | By:

Editor’s note: This story deals with mental health issues, including suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Suicide has been on the rise since the hands of time clicked over to a new millennium, but the risk increased during the pandemic. Between 2021 and 2022,

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Domestic violence: Navigating the legal system

Sep 14, 2023 | By:

Editor’s Note: This is the final installment in our four-part series on services for victims of abuse and violence in Pierce County. Previous stories include: One woman’s story of escaping an abusive relationship Inside the Crystal Judson Center, a clearinghouse for helping abuse victims Other resources available for survivors, catering to specific communities Warning: This

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Pierce County, city of Gig Harbor promote suicide awareness

Sep 13, 2023 | By: Mary Williams

The Pierce County Council declared September as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month in Pierce County on Aug. 29 and presented a proclamation to Thelma Brown, president of the Gig Harbor Key Peninsula Suicide Prevention Coalition. The council also issued the proclamation to Kelly and Corey Widman, parents of Reese Widman, died under tragic circumstances in

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Wellness Wednesday: Tips for healthy aging

Sep 13, 2023 | By: Scot Fleshman

Aging is inevitable. It may even be at the forefront of your mind, especially as your body begins to communicate it’s happening. Maybe you’re feeling pains in your knees, weakened muscles, or half the energy you’re used to. However, aging doesn’t have to be frightening. Making wise lifestyle changes today can ease your aging later

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Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation brings hope to traumatized vets, first responders

Sep 08, 2023 | By: Susan Whitney

At the time of his death, Leslie Mayne’s son was a 27-year-old Army veteran.  Her son, Kyle Farr, was suicidal in November 2008, and was admitted to a VA hospital in Maryland. Some months later, still struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as well as a traumatic brain injury, he was discharged from the hospital.

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Parks district replaces Phase 1 rec center contractor

Sep 07, 2023 | By:

PenMet fired fired Grenlar Construction, saying it was far past the deadline. The company claimed the job is finished except for a couple tasks being held up by the parks district.

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Domestic violence: Resources available for survivors, including help for specific communities

Sep 07, 2023 | By:

Editor’s Note: This is the third in a four-part series on services for victims of abuse and violence in Pierce County. Other stories include:  One woman’s story of escaping an abusive relationship Inside the Crystal Judson Center, a clearinghouse for helping abuse victims How the Gig Harbor Police Department handles these cases, and resources for

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Jennifer Preston: From wanton waste to good taste

Sep 06, 2023 | By:

When I was young, my family struggled through some tough times and we were on government assistance. I remember standing in line at my mother’s side for yellow bricks of cheese at a government warehouse. I recall accompanying her up and down the grocery store aisles as she painstakingly selected food and household supplies. She

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Domestic Violence: Crystal Judson Center, created in the wake of a tragedy, offers hope to victims

Aug 31, 2023 | By:

Editor’s Note: This is the second in a four-part series on services for victims of abuse and violence in Pierce County. Other stories include:  One woman’s story of escaping an abusive relationship Other resources available to help people escape abusive relationships How the Gig Harbor Police Department handles these cases, and resources for navigating the

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Altrusa awards $29,000 from Empty Bowls fundraiser to six local groups

Aug 29, 2023 | By:

Altrusa International of Gig Harbor awarded $29,000 raised at the March 4 Empty Bowls event to six groups that provide food to families and children. Over the past eight years, Empty Bowls events provided more than $130,000 to feed families in the Peninsula School District. Organizations benefitting from the 2023 Empty Bowls event include Gig

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